How do opening nights work?
How do opening nights work?
#1How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/7/10 at 4:26pmI may be attending the opening night of "Next Fall," and aside from the need to dress well I do not have intimate knowledge of the typical goings-on of an opening night. Can anyone enlighten me?
2010
Feb. 28 - Looped, Feb. 28 - Next to Normal, March 4 - Hair, March 11 - A Little Night Music, March 24 - Time Stands Still, April 6 - La Cage Aux Folles, April 10 - Anyone Can Whistle (City Center), April 10 - Looped, May 9 - Enron, May 15 - A Little Night Music, May 15 - A Behanding In Spokane, May 30 - A Behanding In Spokane, May 30 - A Little Night Music, June 20 - A Little Night Music, June 23 - Red, June 23 - Sondheim on Sondheim, July 13 - A Little Night Music, July 18 - The Grand Manner (Lincoln Center)
#2How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/7/10 at 4:30pmHonestly, it's just a regular performance. You show up for the earlier curtain, and just enjoy the show.
kooky
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/12/05
#2How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/7/10 at 4:53pmDitto to what Ijay889 said ... and if your very lucky you might be invited to the after party too ..... that's fun as well ...
#3How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/7/10 at 4:55pmYep, it's basically the same as any other performance. Except there is an earlier curtain and you walk in front of a lot of press when entering the theatre. Opening Night Parties are SUCH a great experience. Hopefully, you get to go! Have fun!
"Somethin's comin', I don't know what it is but it is gonna be great!"
#4How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/7/10 at 5:55pm
Opening nights are fun! The audiences are usually even more enthusiastic. Besides that and dressing nicer than usual, it's just a regular performance.
The after parties are pretty cool too. 
#5How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/7/10 at 6:47pm
Whenever you see press interviews conducted outside the theatre from opening night coverage is that usually done before the performance or after?
Thank you all for the information. :)
2010
Feb. 28 - Looped, Feb. 28 - Next to Normal, March 4 - Hair, March 11 - A Little Night Music, March 24 - Time Stands Still, April 6 - La Cage Aux Folles, April 10 - Anyone Can Whistle (City Center), April 10 - Looped, May 9 - Enron, May 15 - A Little Night Music, May 15 - A Behanding In Spokane, May 30 - A Behanding In Spokane, May 30 - A Little Night Music, June 20 - A Little Night Music, June 23 - Red, June 23 - Sondheim on Sondheim, July 13 - A Little Night Music, July 18 - The Grand Manner (Lincoln Center)
#6How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/7/10 at 7:01pm^ The press interviews are conducted before the performance. But the theater's management usually immediately directs all audience members into the theater, so there isn't much time to spectate.
#7How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/7/10 at 11:38pm
and if your very lucky you might be invited to the after party too ..... that's fun as well
You're only getting invited to the after party if you know someone involved in the show or have been previously invited. Don't expect to just be randomly given an invitation.
#8How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/8/10 at 12:34amI have seen cases where the entire audience is invited to the party.
<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES
#9How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/8/10 at 12:47amJane, out of sheer curiosity, when has that happened?
#10How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/8/10 at 12:51amNot on broadway. In off broadway houses I've worked in.
<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES
#11How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/8/10 at 1:09am
Two pieces of advice, assuming you have been sent an actual ticket for the party itself (otherwise, for a Broadway show like Next Fall, you will NOT be admitted to the party...no way, it does not happen):
1) dress up... not in tux and ball gown like you're at the opening of the season at The Met, but as if you're a guest at a wedding...(if you're a guy, this means suit and tie; a woman, this means dressy without looking like you're going to prom). Believe me, this is the norm for openings and you will feel underdressed if you wing it and go casual to the party.
2) try to get to the theater 30-45 minutes prior to the curtain....if it's a nice night and you stand outside the barrier on the street, it's a great way to see invited celebrities (and there are always some, from broadway to tv, movie or politics) who arrive and pose for the cameras just before going in. This makes the evening feel more festive, and since these celebs don't always go to the party, it's fun to know that they are in the audience with you. Inside the theater at Intermission, keep your eyes open; since this is Broadway and hence, the producers' and cast's biggest night regarding their show, if it looks like a celeb, chances are it probably is...
Expect to have open bar, as well as food (usually buffet) at the party, so no need to eat too much before the show.
Have fun!
tamra2
Stand-by Joined: 1/9/07
#12How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/8/10 at 2:31pmyou won't be walking in front of any press unless you are a name... everyone just enters through the regular doors.
#13How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/8/10 at 2:36pm
"unless you are a name... everyone just enters through the regular doors."
Yes, but you can definitely watch it all... not like it happens behind closed doors.
What's with raining on his parade?
Let him get excited and have fun with his Opening Night...it's not a blah, business as usual night like some are suggesting here at all
Fosse76
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
#14How do opening nights work?
Posted: 3/8/10 at 3:38pm
As someone who has been to several openings and parties, let me offer advice. Do not expect the performance to start on time. It won't happen. Most shows will not have a bar on opening night either (and definitely no merchandise sales). Dress nicely. If you aren't going to the party, business casual is sufficeitn for mezz seats (otherwise dress like you were going to a wedding for orchestra seats). You may or may not see celebrities. Depends on the show and who's in it.
As for the party. If you aren't involved in any aspect of the production, you will not be going. While it might be true off-Broadway shows have invited their audiences, that doesn't happen in 1000+ seat Broadway houses. They are ticketed events. Generally. However, that also depends on who they invite to the party. If a show expects to have large celebrity turn-out, security will be tight and tickets will be checked. However, I've known people who have "crashed" opening night parties either by walking in with a cast/crew member.
No matter what, opening nights are fun, party or not.
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